Rep. Tom Morrison: What Illinois could learn from other states

A recent AARP Illinois poll shows there is a growing concern about the amount of taxes being levied in the land of Lincoln.

According to the poll, 64 percent of Illinoisans over 50 say paying too much in taxes is a big concern. We’re not talking about a poll done by grassroots conservatives; this poll was conducted by the nonpartisan AARP Illinois.

The tax-and-spend policies coming from Springfield hurt the economy and leave citizens worried about the future.

There is a better way. Pro-jobs policies being enacted in Wisconsin have helped turn a $3.6 billion budget deficit into a $912 million surplus. The last time Illinois had a surplus was 1999.

What is going on in Wisconsin, Indiana and Texas is proof of the effectiveness of tax reform and other pro-growth policies.

Despite this blueprint for success, Illinois’ Democratic-controlled legislature defiantly clings to the failed economic policies that produced one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. When Gov. Pat Quinn’s 67-percent tax increase failed to address the state’s fiscal woes, the Democratic majority insisted the problem is that taxes were not raised enough.

Businesses want to locate in places like Illinois. Its central location makes it an ideal state for companies to operate, but its high taxes and poor regulatory environment drive jobs and opportunities elsewhere — a fact that became clearer to me after attending the recent American Legislative Exchange Council conference in Texas.

They said everyone understands how punitive taxes can be. For example, governments wanting more ethanol consumption will subsidize it, but if a government wants less cigarette smoking, it will tax cigarettes more.

Income taxes essentially are a tax on work, and high state and federal corporate tax rates act like a tariff on Illinois-produced goods and services, making them more expensive than their domestic and foreign competitors.

The authors examined the loss of income in each state. High-tax states, such as California and Illinois, have seen an exodus of wealth. California lost more than $46 billion in adjusted gross income from 1992 to 2011, while Illinois lost more than $31 billion during the same period.

Instead of stubbornly clinging to failed policies, legislative leaders should learn from the success of other states.

It was exciting to be at the ALEC conference to talk to lawmakers from other states and to exchange ideas. There is a lot we can learn from the successes happening in Texas, Indiana and Wisconsin. It is too bad the current leadership in the Illinois House and the Senate refuses to listen.

Page 2 of 2 - Illinois voters can and must do something about it this November when they will have the opportunity to elect more free market, reform-minded candidates up and down the ballot.